New Ways to Get Civically Involved This School Year
A new school year is here, and with it comes fresh opportunities to grow, connect, and make a difference. Whether you’re starting junior high, high school, or entering your final year before graduation, it’s the perfect time to think about how you can get involved in your community and take part in shaping the future.
Civic engagement isn’t just about elections and government—it’s about using your voice, time, and talents to improve the world around you. From clubs and service projects to digital campaigns and public speaking, there are more ways than ever for students to lead with purpose.
Programs from the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute
Become an O’Connor Institute Ambassador
Passionate about civics, civil discourse, and leadership? Apply to join the O’Connor Institute Ambassadors Civics & Debate Club. Open to high school students nationwide, this online club helps young changemakers strengthen their voices, develop civic knowledge, and connect with peers who share their passion for making a difference. Ambassadors participate in meaningful discussions with key decision makers and serve as advocates for civic engagement in their schools and communities.
Share Your Vision in the Civics Challenge
Are you a videographer, content maker, or civic-minded student? The O’Connor Institute Civics Challenge invites middle and high school students to submit short videos on civics education topics. Winners receive a cash prize and are featured nationally, gaining experience in presenting their ideas to a wider audience.
Your voice matters—let it be heard! Visit our Civics Challenge page to get inspired, find topics, and learn how to submit your video.
Other Ways To Get Involved
While we hope that many of you will explore the options provided by the Institute, there are several ways to get involved in your community. Here are a few more ideas to consider this school year.
Join or Start a Civics Club
Civics clubs, student councils, and debate teams are great ways to learn how government works—and how to work together. Don’t see one at your school? This could be your year to start something new! Reach out to a teacher or advisor to help create a space for students to discuss current events, plan community service projects, or host voter registration drives.
Volunteer for a Local Cause
Whether it’s organizing food drives, tutoring younger students, or working at a local library or nonprofit, volunteering is one of the most direct ways to be civically active. It shows commitment to your community, and it can also help you discover your passions and develop leadership skills along the way.
Get Involved Online—The Right Way
Today’s civic leaders are also digital citizens. Use your social media platforms to share factual information, amplify important causes, and promote respectful conversations. Explore resources like CivicsforLife.org to learn more about current events, civic history, and how to spot misinformation online.
Set a Civic Goal
Want to vote when you turn 18? Attend a town hall? Write an op-ed or launch a community initiative? Set a personal civic goal for this school year—and take small steps to achieve it. Growth starts with action, no matter how small.
As Justice O’Connor reminded us, “The individual can and does make a difference even in this increasingly complex world of ours.”
This school year, choose to lead, serve, and engage. You don’t have to run for office to make a difference—just care enough to get involved and inspire others to do the same.
Together, we can shape a stronger, more informed democracy.